December 27, 2009

NFC East on the line

The Cowboys are in the playoffs, but next week still is big. It will determine the NFC East champion. There is a decent chance the two teams meet the next week in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

If the Cowboys win next Sunday, they would have swept the season series. But, if they do meet in the wild-card round, it would mean they would have to beat the Eagles in back-to-back weeks and three times in a season. Historically, both are difficult tasks. The Eagles, on the other hand, also could be faced with beating the same opponent in back-to-back weeks.

The Cowboys, though, aren't looking past this week. They want to win their second NFC East title in three years.

"I think it will be fun," Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo said. "I think these are very enjoyable games. It will be a very fun week of preparation. It will be enjoyable being ready to put your best foot forward. You never know what the outcome is going to be. It's a great challenge against a great opponent."

What goes without saying -- but I'm going to say it anyway -- is if the Cowboys beat the Eagles, they will have ended their post-Nov. 30 jinx. With a victory, the Cowboys will be 3-2 in December/January -- their first winning December/January since 1996. That also is the last time they won a playoff game.